Keane hails Black Cats spirit

14 September 2006 08:37

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Roy Keane heaped praise on the quality and spirit of his Sunderland squad after they crushed Leeds 3-0 at Elland Road on Wednesday.
The Black Cats followed up their 2-1 win at Derby in Keane's first game in charge on Saturday with an even better display to make it three wins on the bounce following their shocking start to the campaign.
The former Republic of Ireland skipper's arrival has seen six new faces drafted into the squad, while the players who were already at the Stadium of Light appear to have been rejuvenated.
New boys Liam Miller and Graham Kavanagh handed the Black Cats a 2-0 half-time lead at Leeds before Stephen Elliott secured the three points with a third after the break, to the delight of 5,000 travelling fans.
Keane said: "I spoke during the last few weeks about character, spirit and desire of the players - but on top of that you need good players with talent.
"They showed that tonight, and I'm proud of them. The new players have helped. There's been a big issue over them, but I'd like to give credit to the ones who were already here.
"I felt in my bones that if we got it down and passed then we would have a chance - and our lads were outstanding."
Elliott, David Connolly and Dean Whitehead all picked up injuries during the game, but Keane is hopeful their respective problems are not too serious.